An A-level student who achieved straight As despite having to care for her family has won a presitigious award.

A STRAIGHT-A A-level student from Canning Town who excelled at school despite having to care for her mother and brother has scooped a top award.

Jennifer Labwo, 18, of Star Lane, was the overall winner in the girls’ A-level category of the London Schools and the Black Child (LSBC) awards ceremony held at the House of Commons on Friday.

The teenager, who recently celebrated her A-level results at St Angela’s and St Bonaventure’s Sixth Form in Forest Gate, said: “Some of the other girls were so much more deserving so I was surprised to win.

“It’s nice to get some recognition for my hard work but this award wasn’t really for me but for all the teachers who supported me and took time out beyond the call of duty to help me.”

Jennifer, who studied her A-levels from home in order to care for her family, achieved As in Politics, History and English Literature.

She was presented with her award by Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott, Streatham MP Chuka Umunna and Michelle Bereaux, investment bank chief of staff and joint global chief operating officer at UBS, who will now mentor Jennifer.

The annual LSBC awards, which are run by Ms Abbott, celebrate outstanding achievement among black children at GCSE, A level and university.